I purchased several of those mask from Centerfiresystems.com that have the side mounted filter. These are a bit better than some of the others they sell which obviously would not work at all.

The ones I got fit tightly about the face and most likely could offer some protection from maybe tear gas or a lot of smoke? They would offer eye protection so at least one might be able to see to load and fire weapons in defense.

These are the Finnish masks Centerfire sells. They would offer protection to ones face against fire and smoke. And, guard the eyes from flying glass and bullet spatter.

One example is the M-10 style masks. These were close copies of the US M-17 masks, and are designed to fit a wide variety of faces. The filters may not provide complete protection, but the protection that they would lack is CHEMICAL, as in NERVE AGENTS. Everything else is particulate protection.

I could rant for a few more paragraphs, but I think I have made my point.

Some mask is better than no mask. The real issue is no only having the mask, but several sets of spare filters. Like 20 per mask....

I have some in the styl of the russian. I thought a mask that pulled over my entire head would give very good protection. the link said they were totaly usless, I have an easy test. I must be fit tested every year for my resporator at work. I can do the same test with one of my personal maskes on.
the test is a bag over the head and a spray shot in. if you smell anything the test fails. I bet I will not smell anything with the masks I bought.

I am off the page for extended times due to job requirements, not gone forever

I had a full face gas mask once but my juvenile delinquint nephew got into my gear, found the gas mask and turned into a bong. I never replaced it so that is just another item to put on my "to do" list. Thanks.

When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America , you get a front row seat. - George Carlin

Have had several Draeger masks with spare NATO filters and a similar IDF mask with the drink tube and corresponding canteen. Ex-East German and Czech M10M with also has drink tube. Canadian with adapter to take NATO cannisters. Adapters from Maine military surplus will also mate the Swedish and Finnish masks to NATO cannister filters. Swede mask and bag came with an epi-pen injector!